SUSTAINABLE BUILDING TECHNOLOGY
VOLUMETRICTM is a specialist manufacturer of award-winning modular accommodation, bathroom pods, and MEP pods. We offer sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions, working collaboratively with project teams to ensure maximum use of space and efficient use of materials to reduce carbon emissions and meet energy-efficiency targets.
SHARED COMPANY ETHOS
COMMITTED TO A GREENER CONSTRUCTION FUTURE
We have a duty to safeguard our planet for future generations. At VOLUMETRICTM, we take this responsibility seriously. We know that what we build today will affect our environment for decades. This is why VOLUMETRICTM is committed to working sustainably and continually improving practices to exceed environmental targets.
At VOLUMETRICTM, we consider IMPACT. How what we do and the way we manufacture affects our planet. We ACT, making our products more energy-efficient and putting sustainability at the core of everything we create. We IMPROVE, working towards a circular economy, evidenced through our partnerships with like-minded businesses and suppliers.
“Achieving a more environmentally conscious construction industry has never been more important. Our mission is to be a leader in sustainable building technology. We utilise our expertise and design knowledge to create products that not only exceed sustainability targets but contribute positively to the health and wellbeing of communities.”
Trevor Richards VOLUMETRIC™, DirectorWHY DOES SUSTAINABILITY MATTER?
INCREASING DEMAND, FINITE RESOURCES
We know that the current consumption of global resources is unsustainable. As we become more aware of the environmental impact of our actions, the statistics make for worrying reading. Scientific evidence shows that climate change, high emissions, deforestation, and overuse of natural resources could result in a potential global disaster. Reports state that in 2021, the construction industry was responsible for an estimated third of the world’s waste and approximately 40% of carbon emissions. We want to help address this issue.
THE FUTURE IS NOW
The green agenda has been a central conversation within the construction industry for the last few years. We know things need to change quickly. New legislation and regulations relating to sustainability in construction have helped set out a route map - but it is up to us to act and foster a positive mindset that encourages a net zero built environment.
VOLUMETRIC™ is committed to being part of the solution. We aim to inspire and lead through cuttingedge technology, material optimisation, energy-efficient processes, and a thorough understanding of our products and their environmental impact.
THE SUSTAINABLE JOURNEY:
ACHIEVING A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
PRINCIPLES OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
The circular economy model promotes reuse over consumption, extending material life cycles and eliminating the issue of disposability prevalent in many industries. By reducing waste and recirculating products and materials, a circular economy will allow the environment to recover from overharvesting. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a leading charity committed to creating a circular economy, adopting this approach could lead to a 38% reduction in global carbon emissions by 2050.
BENEFITS OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
> Make better use of existing resources and extend product lifespans
> Reduce fuel emissions used in production and transportation
> Protect ecosystems and biodiversity, allowing nature to recover
> Boosting the economy through new business and business growth
> Creating new jobs focused on sustainable sciences and technology
The construction industry has a vital role in achieving a circular economy. Careful consideration must be given to material sourcing, building design, manufacturing processes, and building operation.
At VOLUMETRIC™, our commitment to sustainable construction starts at the earliest design stages, where we focus on valueengineering and optimisation.
ROADMAP TO THE FUTURE
HOW VOLUMETRIC™ IS TAKING STEPS TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE
FABRIC-FIRST APPROACH
VOLUMETRIC™ designs all products and processes to optimise material use. Offsite fabrication allows for highly specified, precision engineering, eliminating onsite waste and reducing space needed to store and transport products. Our modular homes and pods use the minimum material while offering maximum performance and low carbon output. With a 60-year expected lifespan, VOLUMETRIC™ modular houses are designed with recycling and reuse in mind to ensure material usage can extend beyond the home life cycle and through to deconstruction and disassembly.
EFFICIENT MANUFACTURING
Working from advanced factory facilities in Shrewsbury, VOLUMETRIC™ adopts lean manufacturing processes. Constantly evaluating systems and using DfMA principles, a right first time every time approach mitigates risk.
VOLUMETRIC™ works with trusted suppliers whose sustainability values and goals match our own, including local suppliers where possible. Assembling fully fitted units on site reduces transport and vehicle movement.
ENERGY-SAVING TECHNOLOGY
The VOLUMETRIC™ modular housing range is designed with a futureproof energy strategy.
SOLOHAUS™, DUOHAUS™, and FAMILYHAUS™ all offer exceptional airtightness of <3ACH@ 50Pa and emissions of circa 200KG CO2/year.
Renewable energy technology via Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and Mechanical
Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) contribute to low in use energy consumption.
VOLUMETRIC™ energy centres use intelligent technology, storing energy generated in battery cells and sending surplus back into the grid, offsetting carbon to achieve net zero living with low living costs.
BUILDING BETTER:
THE VOLUMETRIC™ APPROACH
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Our total quality management approach – creating a climate of continuous improvement within our specialist multiskilled team and quality control systems, underpinned by rigorous inspection procedures – has been established to help us achieve our objective for zero defects.
Adopting the principles of 5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, and Sustain), we recognise that a world class manufacturing process needs to take place in a world class manufacturing environment, and 5S supports a culture of perpetual improvement.
Sustainability forms part of the VOLUMETRIC™ focus on continuous improvement. We react quickly to legislation changes, acting to meet and exceed regulation requirements. VOLUMETRIC™ measures and reports, using lessons learned to constantly refine our systems. The VOLUMETRIC™ range is BOPAS approved, exceeding energy efficiency requirements under current Building Regulations.
SIX STEPS TO SUSTAINABLE IMPROVEMENT
> PLAN for the future considering DfMA principles and design for reuse
> DESIGN all products to be recyclable, reusable, and energy-efficient
> IMPLEMENT systems that reduce waste, energy consumption and carbon emissions
> EMBED a culture of sustainability in all our employees and wider supply chain network
> MANAGE risk through early identification of potential improvements
> LEAD by example, demonstrating sustainable practice in the community and industry
ADVANCED PRODUCTS FOR BETTER LIVING
MODULAR HOUSING RANGE
Modular construction offers an investment that is cost-effective, future-proof, and sustainable. Working with local authorities, charities, and councils, VOLUMETRIC™ can collaborate with housing project teams and site managers to ensure optimum use of space and minimise site waste. Stackable, relocatable, and with various configurations, modules can operate at low running cost and are exceptionally energy efficient.
SOLOHAUS™
Low-carbon, energy-efficient single-person homes with minimal running costs. SOLOHAUS™ provides a solution to local authorities and charities combating the housing crisis. Fully furnished with low-energy white goods, these homes deliver security and stability.
DUOHAUS™
Designed for two people, DUOHAUS™ offers the same exceptional thermal performance and airtightness as SOLOHAUS™ with additional space. As with all models in the range, these modules are reusable and relocatable.
FAMILYHAUS™
Safe, secure, family living for up to two adults and three children, FAMILYHAUS™ offers exceptional social value and is an ideal solution for areas where sustainable, temporary housing is most needed.
All VOLUMETRIC™ modular homes use sustainable technologies to minimise heat waste and water consumption.
SAVING SPACE, LOWERING ENERGY BILLS
VOLUMETRIC™ has expanded its range to include bathroom and MEP pods, ideal for projects where space and energy efficiency are paramount. Underpinned by digital technology, our pods deliver a robust and reliable solution to meet the water, heating, ventilation, and electrical demands of a range of building types. Energy efficiency and sustainability are at the core of our pod designs.
BATHROOM PODS
Bathroom pods offer a fully-plumbed-in solution that responds immediately to water demands for showering, toilet, and hygiene needs. All plumbing in VOLUMETRIC™ bathroom and ensuite pods is rigorously tested and certified before despatch, minimising the chance of leaks or remedial works, and negating potential water waste. Made from lightweight, recyclable, and reusable materials, our pods require minimal maintenance and offer total control over water usage.
MEP PODS
Our offsite manufactured MEP Pods are a trailblazer in prefabricated utility cupboards. Fully customisable to meet spatial requirements, our MEP pods provide a single-unit solution to heating, ventilation, electrical and communication service needs. Offsite manufacturing allows for precision engineering meaning fewer materials are required to create a high-performance product. Pods are delivered fully assembled, reducing traditional installation times by up to 90%. Renewable energy technology is a feature of every MEP pod - including Heat Interface Units and Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery systems.
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP
MAXIMISING THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Sustainability starts with sourcing the right suppliers and materials.
VOLUMETRIC™ is committed to working with businesses and services that are socially responsible and environmentally conscious. We seek out suppliers who exceed standards and actively work to promote positive change.
We work with companies who:
> Work to limit carbon emissions and combat climate change
> Use sustainable materials, ethically sourced from approved suppliers
> Consider their communities, environment, and workforce wellbeing
PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
VOLUMETRIC™ strive to create a safe, healthy, sustainable working environment for the whole team. Our modern production facilities use state of the art tooling, with onsite training centres, employee wellbeing and mental health support facilities. We believe in fostering a workplace culture that promotes positivity and environmental awareness. Our factory also uses energy-efficient heating and lighting systems.
VOLUMETRIC™ are happy to welcome pre-arranged guests for factory tours on selected dates. Contact the team to find out more or arrange a visit.
”Being local allows us to keep transport to a minimum and deliver quickly. The collaboration is fantastic at all levels. We can work together to solve issues and find solutions that benefit everyone. For example, all pipes in the kit are cut to the required lengths and marked up. Which means the team on the assembly line is getting something fully instructional with zero waste.”
Martyn Rowlands Pipekit, Managing Director (VOLUMETRIC™ suppliers for pipework fittings, drainage, and associated products).IMPACT, ACTION, IMPROVEMENT: SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS
VOLUMETRIC™ is proud to have received multiple awards and recognition for their highly sustainable and energy-efficient modular housing range. Judges across many award panels have commented positively about our contribution to sustainable building and impact on social wellbeing.
OFFSITE AWARDSWINNER
Product Innovation – Dual Occupancy Module and Energy Centre
CIBSE BUILDING PERFORMANCE AWARDS –WINNER
Product or Innovation – Wellbeing
NEW CIVIL ENGINEER – TECHFEST AWARDSWINNER
Offsite and Modular
LABC BUILDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS –REGIONAL WINNER
Best purpose-built accommodation
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VOLUMETRIC™ has made a significant contribution to wellbeing, due to the close partnership with Hill Group to design and manufacture the bespoke single-person homes, with 200 gifted to homeless charities and councils across the country.’
CIBSE Building Performance Awards Judge